BAFTA albert has published a roadmap for the UK film and TV industry’s permanent shift to clean temporary power, Spark: Clean Temporary Power by 2030, accompanied by an industry Statement of Intent to accelerate sustainable screen production practises in energy use, co-signed and issued by the BBC, BBC Studios, BFI, Channel 4, Fremantle, ITV, ITV Studios, Netflix, Pact, Sky, UKTV and Universal International Studios.
In 2024, UK productions burned over three million litres of fossil fuels in generators, and more than half of all productions relied almost entirely of fossil fuels. By making the transition to the clean solutions, as mapped out in Spark, the industry can, says BAFTA albert, reduce emissions, cut air pollution and create quieter, healthier sets without compromising creativity.
Spark: Clean Temporary Power by 2030 outlines the need to phase-out fossil-fuels and stand-alone generator use before 2030, transitioning via hybrid generators and hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel, where necessary, and to phase-in grid power, battery solutions and other clean technologies, to make meaningful environmental changes.
Spark has identified three pillars of action that will guide the film & TV industry’s transition to clean temporary power by 2030. These are to reduce, by cutting energy demand and emissions through efficient planning and equipment, to retool by upgrading infrastructure and technology for clean power, and reskill, by equipping teams with knowledge and training to plan, budget, and operate clean power solutions.
Developed in 2025 through research and consultation with industry stakeholders, energy experts and validated by independent experts from Imperial College London (via Imperial Consultants), Spark is accompanied by the industry Statement of Intent signed by BAFTA albert, BBC, BBC Studios, BFI, Channel 4, Fremantle, ITV, ITV Studios, Netflix, Pact, Sky, UKTV and Universal International Studios.
The Statement of Intent reads
“The UK film & TV industry faces an imperative: to modernise its operations, and in doing so, seize the opportunity to tackle a significant source of our emissions.
“For decades, the standard practice of using fossil fuel generators to power productions has been among the most environmentally damaging aspects of film and TV production, directly contributing to carbon emissions, noise pollution and poor air quality.
“We share a unified vision to achieve Clean Temporary Power by 2030. This vision is about creating a better, more efficient, and more sustainable future for screen production in the UK.”
Speaking of the importance of clean temporary power and the industry’s unified vision, Head of Industry Sustainability for BAFTA albert, April Sotomayor said: “The climate crisis demands urgent action, and our industry has both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead.
“Support of Spark signals the beginning of a collective movement as organisations ranging from broadcasters, media and production companies, suppliers and others not only support Spark but internalise its recommendations to enable change. We expect many others to sign the Statement of Intent as the campaign grows and accelerates industry-wide action.”
Matt Scarff, BAFTA albert’s Managing Director commented: “The first tranche of signatures on the Clean Temporary Power by 2030 Industry Statement of Intent is testament to how seriously the UK film and TV industry takes its responsibility to produce sustainable screen content. To see this level of collaboration from our members – and commitment to momentum around clean temporary power – is incredible.”
Quotes from Industry Signatories.
“We published our first Net Zero Transition Plan almost one year ago which was a hugely important milestone as we commit to a low-carbon future. It detailed how the BBC Group intends to be Net Zero by 2050. I am delighted to say we have been working collaboratively with broadcasters and production companies on an industry plan for clean temporary power for our productions by 2030. This means prioritising mains, batteries and renewables when we’re recording or broadcasting at locations outside of our buildings.
“This Statement of Intent is a significant step to decarbonising our productions’ operations as part of our commitment to building a sustainable BBC and wider media industry.” Danielle Mulder, BBC Sustainability Officer
“We believe the new SPARK roadmap can get film and TV production off its reliance on diesel and using clean temporary power. We are especially committed to supporting independent film to take advantage of the clean power technologies available to make productions greener. We’re working to enable new and better access to grid power, continuing to advocate for affordable clean temporary power options, and exploring ways to effectively upskill our fantastic crews, so everyone can benefit from a fossil fuel-free future.” Keir Oldfield-Lewis, Head of Environmental Sustainability, BFI
“Channel 4 is proud to support SPARK as part of our commitment to sustainable production. SPARK aligns with our ambition to minimise carbon from temporary power by 2030, supporting cleaner, greener practices across the industry and helping us deliver on our science-based target aligned climate goals.” Sinead Rocks, Managing Director, Nations and Regions, Channel 4
“We fully support BAFTA albert’s new roadmap to transition the UK television and film industry to clean temporary power by 2030. At Fremantle, our UK labels are already implementing many of the SPARK principles, which form a vital part of our plan to cut our carbon footprint in half by 2030.” Shaunagh Duncan, Group Head of Sustainability, Fremantle
“No single broadcaster or production company can make their productions more sustainable in isolation, collaboration and transition planning are key to unlocking the innovation that will lead to a thriving and sustainable creative sector. ITV and ITV Studios are fully committed to this collaboration, working closely with BAFTA albert, our peers and suppliers to move from commitment to action and to transform the industry for the better.” Jeremy Mathieu, ITV Head of Sustainability
Pippa Considine
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